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A model for integrating user experience into Agile software development

  • Authors: Manakaza, Mpile
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Customer satisfaction , Agile development (Computer science) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60949 , vital:69295
  • Description: The Agile software development methodology has progressed over time and has become the most popularly used methodology for many projects owing to its adaptable and advanced nature. Agile is an iterative and incremental method that supports project teams to maintain the growing demands of present-day organisations. In software development, it is imperative to build software that ensures a holistic user experience and meets requirements. Software Developers and User Experience Designers focus on users’ preferences and requirements while navigating an application through an approach called user-centred design (UCD). The purpose of Agile user-experience (UX) methods is to build user-centric software solutions using the Agile methodology. Literature indicates a scarcity of Agile-UX models to integrate user experience design processes effectively within Agile software development. Hence, the motivation for this study was to create a practical model for integrating user experience design processes into Agile software development for implementation by software development teams. Initially, the study defines the problem that formed the basis for the initiation of this research, followed by the research questions and objectives that are the fundamental portion of the development of this study. This study highlights the benefits and challenges of Agile-UX methods through a case study of Agile software development teams in South Africa. Furthermore, additional best practices are recommended. A survey questionnaire was distributed to software development teams to identify the various factors that lead to implementing Agile-UX methods. The distribution of the survey questionnaire supported the theoretical perspective of this study. Furthermore, Agile development (AD) and UCD are not easy to combine as UCD aims to understand users before software product development, and no activities are performed before development starts in AD. Lastly, a significant benefit is that user-centred software systems create and promote team collaboration and communication and, ultimately, successful software projects. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

A strategy for the review and maintenance of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) information security policies

  • Authors: Nongodlwana, Nomvuyo
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66162 , vital:74426
  • Description: Abstract. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of , School of Information Technology and Governance, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

An evaluation of the national minimum wage dispensation

  • Authors: Masenya, Mogodi
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Evaluation , Minimum wage -- distribution , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60807 , vital:67833
  • Description: After South Africa became a democratic country, there was a shift in the labour and employment sector. This led to introduction of new labour laws which would be in harmony with the constitutional dream and objectives. As such, the BCEA was introduced to bring about change to the basic conditions of employment. As a result of this, new minimum wages policies and laws were enacted. The wages were to be determined by the following means: first way was by means of bargaining council agreements, the second way by means of statutory council agreements, and the third way by means of sectoral determinations. The sectoral determinations policy was introduced through the BCEA. The BCEA through the ECC promulgated sectoral determinations which was aimed to establish minimum wages and conditions of employment for workers in the sectors deemed to be vulnerable. A minimum wage was firstly adopted in New Zealand and in European countries as early as the 19th century. This policy was then widely adopted after the establishment of the International Labour Organisation. The purpose or aim of a minimum wage is to protect workers against exploitatively low pay and to ensure a just and equitable share of the profits of work, thus creating a minimum living wage for all those that are employed and in need of such protection. Minimum wages are also often used as a policy tool to reduce poverty and inequality, including between men and women, by advocating for equal pay for work of equal value. Convention No. 131 and Recommendation No 135 are the key international conventions that determine minimum wage fixing. Convention No. 131 and Recommendation No. 135 seek to ensure that the minimum wage is set at a certain level that allows workers and their families to meet their needs. Article 4 of Convention No. 131 requires the creation and maintenance of machinery adapted to national conditions and requirements whereby minimum wages for groups of wage earners covered under article 1 can be fixed and adjusted from time to time. However, the situation of minimum wages differs between developed and developing countries. This raises a concern, more particularly, whether developing countries can be able to adopt the minimum wage policy. This research makes investigate the adoption of iv minimum wage policy in developed and developing countries, and how it affected their socio-economic status. On about 2018, South Africa enacted the National Minimum Wage Act. This Act was aimed at establishing a floor of minimum wage for all employees. This Act was intended to promote and protect vulnerable workers who were left out from the previous wage policies. The long-term aim of a minimum wage was to remove the problem of poverty pay, which exists when the earnings from paid work do not result in a living minimum wage and fail to push people out of poverty. When this Act was enacted, the national minimum wage floor was set at R20 per hour. However, in EPWP, Domestic Worker, and Farm workers had lower rates because they were regulated by other laws. Furthermore, there were challenges of non-compliance by employers. The national minimum wage policy as a socio-economic tool has had an impact on several levels of the economy. This policy has contributed to either alleviation or elevation of poverty and unemployment. Therefore, this study looks at the impact the minimum wage has had on these 2 aspects of life. The research provides a specific asymmetric data of the impact of the policy in all sectors throughout the time since this policy was adopted. It further shows how the minimum wage policy intervention has been affected by covid 19 pandemic. This empirical evidence is provided by way of charts and graphs to demonstrate the changes that has occurred. At the end of the treatise a conclusion on how this policy has affected the South African economy is reached. Furthermore, recommendations on how economic risks posed by the minimum wage policy can be reduced. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile law, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Mentoring candidate quantity surveyors in South Africa

  • Authors: O’Connor, Nicole
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66172 , vital:74429
  • Description: Abstract. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Built Environment Environmental, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The analysis of social networking sites usage by the public relations management students from Walter Sisulu University: Buffalo city campus (Chiselhurst site)

  • Authors: Kwinana, Zingisa. N
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27589 , vital:69318
  • Description: This study analysed the use of social networking sites by undergraduate Public Relations Management students from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. The reason for this study was to seek student’s opinions on what drove them to open SNs accounts, use social networking sites and examine these motivations in relationship to the building blocks of the uses and gratification theory, which are information search or education, selfactualization, socializing and entertainment. A qualitative online questionnaire was employed in this study. 218 questionnaires were sent through to the participants WhatsApp class groups, 168 questionnaires were answered and returned back to the researcher. The discovery of the study was that the participants are diverse in many different ways and made use of social networking sites for many various reasons. Furthermore, this study indicated that the participants were motivated to use social networking sites because they wanted to interact and stay connected with their family, peers and loved ones, and to meet people or create connections. The study argued that the participants’ reasons for use of social networking sites was not only for socialising but also for entertainment, self-actualization get academic and general information. This study concluded that SNs have a meaningful role in the life of a student’s life doing public relations management from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The dismissal of an employee who refuses to vaccinate against Covid-19

The influence of financial education on the financial literacy Of higher certificate students at the Nelson Mandela University

  • Authors: Nyati, Nokwanda Vuyolwethu
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: financial literacy , higher certificate , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62320 , vital:72380
  • Description: South Africa has low levels of financial literacy. This includes students, even though they are educated. The literature reveals South African students struggle to grasp personal finance concepts, specifically related to saving, monitoring debt and budgeting. It is well-known that financial education improves financial literacy, however, financial education is not implemented as a stand-alone subject for students at primary and high school level in the South African context. Financial education is only implemented into specific learning areas in the curricula such as Economic Management Sciences, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Accounting, Business Studies and Economics. At university level, some students from specific faculties are exposed to a financial education module. A gap in the literature warranted a longitudinal investigation among students to discover the impact of university financial education on financial literacy. There is a lack of research to assess the financial literacy of students by measuring their financial knowledge and financial skills objectively. It is crucial to determine whether a relationship exists between financial education and financial literacy involving South African students. Hence, according to this, the primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of financial education on financial literacy of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students at Nelson Mandela University. The rationale behind choosing these students as a sample is because the programme comprises a Fundamentals of Personal Finance module which focused on day-to-day financial education. Two literature review chapters were conducted to accomplish the primary objective of the study. The first literature review focused on the nature and importance of financial education, core components of financial education, sources of financial education, personal finance module as well as the impact of financial education on financial literacy. This led to the second literature review, which examined the exposure of financial education on financial literacy levels. In addition, financial literacy components and the relationship between financial education on financial literacy were discussed. Thereafter, the hypotheses of the study were developed to empirically test the sample on their financial literacy levels before and after exposure to financial vi education by measuring financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents before exposure to the Fundamentals of Finance module to determine their financial literacy levels. The same questionnaire was completed by the respondents to discover whether financial literacy levels stayed the same, declined or improved after exposure to financial education. Through convenience and criterion sampling, 233 usable questionnaires were collected before exposure to financial education which translated into an effective rate of 64.54 percent. Following this, 77 usable questionnaires were collected after financial education exposure which was interpreted as an effective rate of 61.60 percent. The low response rate was due to the level of computer literacy amongst the respondents, some respondents may have not had access to a laptop, computer desktop or mobile device, and the respondents were busy preparing for examinations. The empirical data was analysed through STATISTICA by performing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tests, reliability tests (Cronbach Alpha), descriptive statistics related to the demographics of the respondents, mean scores and standard deviations. Further statistical analyses were conducted through Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient tests to determine the nature of the relationships between financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. Paired t-tests were conducted to discover the differences in the mean scores in the financial literacy levels of respondents before and after exposure to financial education. The empirical results revealed significant relationships between financial education and financial knowledge; financial education and financial skills; financial education and financial attitude; financial education and financial behaviour. This led to all four hypotheses of the study being accepted. The financial knowledge, financial skills and financial attitude of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students did not improve after completing the Fundamentals of Personal Finance module. Only the financial behaviour of these students improved after financial education exposure. The results of the study provided the basis for the development of recommendations to improve financial literacy levels by providing financial education content that is suitable for individuals in different stages of their lives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The posttraumatic growth of Natalie Du Toit: A psychobiography

  • Authors: Madotyeni-Ngcongca, Thozama
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Posttraumatic growth , Psychobiography , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61522 , vital:70969
  • Description: This study sought to gain insight into the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth by performing a psychobiography of Natalie du Toit, who underwent a traumatic experience and acquired a disability. This study employed a psychobiographical methodology in order to interpret the life of Paralympic gold medallist, Natalie du Toit, from a psychosocial development perspective. The study used a qualitative research paradigm and a purposive sampling technique was employed to select Natalie du Toit. This was done to determine the extent to which Natalie du Toit underwent developmental growth as a result of posttraumatic growth after recuperating from her trauma. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model was used to inform the research. This model was used to describe the life experiences and events that characterised the posttraumatic adjustment of Natalie du Toit and interpret these through Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model. The findings revealed a significant extend the existence of all five variables of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model, in the life of Natalie du Toit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Township economy performance and contribution towards economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay: Assessment using the circular flow of money

  • Authors: Matambeka, Sibahle
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Circular Economy , Economic Development , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61659 , vital:71823
  • Description: The study sought to explore township economic performance and contribution towards economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay, using the circular flow of money model. The study surveyed households and businesses in one of the townships in Nelson Mandela Bay (Kwazakhele). The survey reached out to 100 households and 100 businesses, totalling 200 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The current state of the township economy is not a desirable one. There are more leakages than injections into the township economy. More township residents (especially high-income earners) choose to shop outside the township for goods because the township does not have the goods that residents need. Key findings show that township businesses are small in nature, primarily sole propriety and operate informally in the streets. Most people who work, earn R3500 and below and spend most of their income on food and groceries. Supply for the most consumed products in the township comes mainly from outside the township, and there is no circular flow in the township economy. However, there are more people working inside the township than those who work outside the township. More essential goods are found in the township than before, so residents do not have to travel outside the township to get basic groceries and food. Other findings show that the government is not intervening enough to help the township businesses through policy implementation and financial aid. Businesses in the township do not pay taxes, and this can limit what the government can do to help them. There are other business constraints that are prohibiting the township businesses to reach the optimum level, and the top cited constraint is Crime. The study recommended that government should intervene by passing a bill like the Gauteng Township Economy Bill that aims at assisting township businesses. Households should come up with other streams of income through entrepreneurship so that they can not only depend on government social grants for income. Businesses should form bulk buying groups to increase buying power to be competitive. Lastly, businesses should seek alternative sources of power because electricity is expensive, and the load-shedding is prohibiting township businesses from running efficiently. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Validation of Small Punch Testing Methodology to determine the variation in static properties over the build height of Ti-6Al-4V laser metal deposition samples.

  • Authors: Viviers, Amy Bronwan
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Photovoltaic power generation , Mechanical properties , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66344 , vital:74637
  • Description: Small Punch Static Testing is a testing methodology which has gained immense popularity in the power generation industry. With the drive to optimise material testing and use of expensive, lightweight materials in specialised engineering, Small Punch Static Testing has been standardised to determine standard mechanical properties of materials. Using the Small Punch Static Testing methodology as outlined in BS EN 10371, additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V samples were tested in order to determine their theoretical ultimate tensile strength and yield strength and to determine whether there was a significant change in mechanical properties across the build height of an interrupted build direct energy deposition sample. While extremely material specific, this method has been proven to be feasible in determining mechanical properties in samples where material is scarce and no significant relationship between the sample extraction height and mechanical properties is noted. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Examining the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s fatherhood strategy by FAMSA

  • Authors: Sishuba, Thozama Alicia
  • Date: 2023
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27618 , vital:69320
  • Description: This study aimed to exam the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy by Families South Africa (FAMSA) Eastern Cape. FAMSA is a non-profit organization providing vital services to people in families while providing them with psychosocial and emotional support. FAMSA has been in existence since 1954. To achieve this aim, the study’s objectives were underpinned by understanding the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy in Buffalo City Metro, establishing FAMSA’s response to the implementation of the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy as well as exploring the challenges faced by FAMSA in implementing the Department of Social Development’s Fatherhood Strategy. A qualitative research methodology was implemented to gather information from FAMSA and DSD. Findings from literature revealed that the fatherhood strategy has been a concern worldwide evidenced by the high levels of father-child non-residency. Data from this study revealed that FAMSA had been implementing the programme effectively regardless of numerous challenges that include funding human resources. Conclusively, a lot must be done to advocate for fatherhood. Recommendations also point to the need for several interventions which need to be done in research, social work practice and also policy formulation and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023

Development of a crumb rubber adsorbent for the sorption of lead and copper from waste water: Optimization of sorption in a binary component system

  • Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
  • Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Spatial and temporal analysis of the critical zone in the Western rift valley corridor: towards earth stewardship science in East Africa

  • Authors: Miller, Warren David
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59771 , vital:62423
  • Description: Over the coming decades, Africa is expected to experience disturbing effects due to climate change and increased land cover change due to human influences presenting a significant concern for the future well-being of human and biological systems, the latter being the foundation of ecosystem services supplied to humanity. Therefore, unprecedented transdisciplinary cooperation, coordination, and integration amongst researchers, government, and civil society are necessary to increase the resiliency of these systems. This study aims to provide an outline of the Africa Alive Corridors (AAC) as an essential model for the encouragement of sustainable development through Earth Stewardship science. These aims are accompanied by the quantification and forward modelling for land cover change of the Critical Zone over 10 Great Lake Basins across one of the AAC, the Western Rift Valley Corridor (WRVC), in East Africa between the years 2018 and 2060. This approach provides the foundation for implementing improved regional governance, better encouragement of sustainable development beyond the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and education programs, such as the AAC, that promote socio-ecological resilience through Earth Stewardship Science. The AAC archives a portion of East Africa as the WRVC, a corridor along the western branch of the East African Rift System that highlights twenty heritage nodes, primarily great lakes, mountain ranges, national parks, and biological hotspots. These heritage entities are associated with ca. 12-million-years of evolution and transformation of the East African topography and related African Great Lake (AGL) systems. The thesis defines the study area by delineating AGL basins intersected by the WRVC. Across these basins, land cover change analysis provides a platform for an integrated assessment of the projected health of the corridor region. Existing land cover datasets provide the initial conditions of the study area for 2008 and 2013. Land cover between 2008 and 2013 is cross-tabulated using the Land Cover Module in the Terrset software, followed by the iii delineation of sub-models and driver variable identification. The Multi-Layer Perceptron algorithm provides the transition potentials between tree cover, urban area, cropland, wetland, and open area classes. Change quantification and prediction using Markov Chain analysis are then established for 2018, 2030, and 2060. The model successfully simulated future land cover change and concluded that: (1) proximity to existing human activity, proximity to existing tree cover, and population are the primary drivers of change; (2) the dominant land cover of the ten lake basins for 2018 was cropland at ca. 48%, followed by tree cover at ca. 33%; (3) total anthropogenic change over the coming four decades equates to over ca. 52 000 km2 (5 200 000 ha), and particularly (4) an urban area is expected to increase by >130%. This assessment ultimately provides a platform for regional governance development at the basin scale and Earth Stewardship science in East Africa. These changes require transdisciplinary action from researchers to civil society. The AAC provides the foundation for understanding the dynamics of the systems that support life across broader spatial and temporal resolutions in Africa, highlighting the need for future generations to build socio-ecological resilience to anticipate challenges such as biodiversity loss posed by climate change and excessive land cover change. , Thesis (DSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

The co-evolution of Africa’s eastern margin and its primate fauna: implications for hominin evolution

  • Authors: Mambalu, Philasande
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59755 , vital:62418
  • Description: I investigated potential links between the diversification of African primate lineages and the physical evolution of the continent. I compared published phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA for five clades: (a) Lorisoidea (galagos and pottos); (b) arboreal guenon monkeys (Cercopithecus and its allies); (c) living apes (including humans); (d) Papionini (baboons); and (e) savanna or “vervet” monkeys (Chlorocebus). I compared primate divergence dates with the ages of tectonic events, patterns of climatic change, and their palaeo-vegetational consequences. Based on present primate distributions, I estimated likely geographic locations of the divergence events. Finally, I compared the phylogenetic patterns of the primate clades with hominin evolutionary scenarios. Phylogenetic comparisons indicated three time periods when rates of speciation increased across the five primate clades: the Eocene – Oligocene transition (34 – 32 Ma); the mid-late Miocene (10 – 5 Ma); and the Pliocene – Pleistocene transition (2.7 – 2.3 Ma). Concentrated bursts of lineage splitting indicate a broadscale causal relationship between environmental change and lineage divergence. Human evolution followed similar biogeographic patterns to those of other primate clades. Tectonic events, climatic changes and palaeo-vegetational shifts are intimately connected, and have synergistic effects on biotic diversity. Tectonic events influence climatic change through their effects on oceanic circulation, planetary temperatures and rainfall patterns. Additionally, tectonic uplift and erosion may create geographic barriers to organismal dispersal across the continent, increasing the likelihood of geographic separation of populations and speciation. Recently evolved primate species show high levels of hybridisation for several generations after their initial divergence. Genus Homo generated ~10 species over 2.5 Ma. The emergence of these taxa likely involved substantial hybridisation, as demonstrated by the presence of Neanderthal genes within the H. sapiens genome. I suggest that this hybridisation contributed to the difficulties palaeoanthropologists often experience in distinguishing fossil hominin taxa. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

The principle of fairness in South African criminal trials

  • Authors: Ndude, Tembinkosi
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Criminal law , Criminal law -- cases , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60090 , vital:62984
  • Description: The purpose of this research is to determine the presence of the principle of fairness during criminal trials in South Africa. In determining the presence of the principle, this research will provide a short background on both the historical pre-constitution situation on the principle of fairness and the present situation on how courts in South Africa conduct themselves in the adjudication of criminal cases in ensuring fair criminal trials. The historical background partially highlights certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act in curtailing both the application of due processes and entrenchment of fairness during criminal trials. The arguments on the principle of fairness during criminal trials are discussed in tandem with the principle of the rule of law in the determination of the resolve our justice system has, and the use of designated legal instruments to assert the principle of fairness, for example, section 35(3) of the Constitution and the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977(herein referred "the Act") including the determination of the level of judicial interference, independence, and impartiality. The challenges of unfair trials are also explained against the concept of ubuntu which is a foundational element of fairness expressed and interpreted as such by the indigenous people living in South Africa. In the Port Elizabeth Municipality v Various Occupiers, the court describes the concept of ubuntu as part of a deep cultural heritage central to fairness and fair treatment of humans. The principle of fairness in our criminal trials is a transformative element shaped by our historical background. This is evident in S v Zuma which refers to section 25 of the Interim Constitution. The transformative element shaping principle of fairness is discussed in conjunction with section 35(3) of the new Constitution and case law. This research also notes the adversarial element of our criminal trials having considered some of the evidentiary burdens, for example, the onus of proof, rebuttal of evidence, proof beyond reasonable doubt, reverse onus, circumstantial evidence, presumption, and the adverse inference. However, these evidentiary burdens are addressed by section 35(3) of the Constitution and case law, for example the right to remain silent, the right to be presumed innocent, the right not to be compelled to give self-incriminating evidence, to be informed of the charge with sufficient detail to answer it, to choose, and be represented by a legal practitioner and to be informed of this right promptly. This work views the principle of fairness as a mechanism focussing on relegating unjustness and the ill treatment of accused persons during criminal trials to the dustbin of history. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department Criminal and Procedural Law, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

The experiences of students with a physical disability at institutions of higher learning: a systematic review

  • Authors: Makubalo, Siphokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8596-7357
  • Date: 2022-11
  • Subjects: People with disabilities -- Education (Higher) , People with disabilities in higher education , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27242 , vital:66484
  • Description: This study aims to explore the experiences of physically disabled students at institutions of higher. The research methodology followed in conducting this study is a systematic review. Thus, published literature from the period of 2000-2020 on the experiences of physically disabled students in South African institutions of higher learning was reviewed. Five articles which met the inclusion criteria were assessed for eligibility using the CASP criteria. The social model of disability is applied as a theoretical framework in exploring these experiences. A synthesis of results and findings of South African studies relating to physically disabled students in institutions of higher learning is provided. Themes that emerged in the study indicate that physically disabled students experience social exclusion related to architectural access barriers, attitudinal barriers, lack of support and discrimination in South African Institutions of higher learning, which impacts their overall physical access in these institutions. The study found that addressing these challenges and access barriers would result in positive experiences for physically disabled students on campuses. The study concluded that to improve the experiences of physically disabled students, institutional effort is necessary that is extensive both in scope and systematic in nature. For future studies, it is recommended that a qualitative study explore not just disabled students‟ lived experiences but also be inclusive of academic and support staffs‟ perceptions. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-11

A Psychobiography of the late Milase Jumartha Majola (néé Moyake)- 1932 - 2021

  • Authors: Mbambo-Tom, Thembeka Esther
  • Date: 2022-10
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27640 , vital:69379
  • Description: This study is a psychobiography of a Black South African Woman, Milase Jumartha Majola (néé Moyake), herein fondly referred to as ‘Mrs Majola’. Mrs Majola is not an icon in the general sense, but yet a definite unsung hero for many in her community. In her 89 years, she has touched many people’s lives and left a vast imprint in the community. Mrs Majola has been identified as a psychobiographical subject for this study based on her exemplary and extraordinary endeavours, which contributed significantly to the psycho-social well-being of the youth and the elderly within Port Elizabeth townships (now known as Gqeberha). The main objective of this study was to explore and describe Mrs Majola’s psychosocial development. Her psycho-social development was studied through the PERMA Theory of well-being lens and transformed into a narrative to understand better what made her a remarkable individual. Data was gathered from primary and secondary sources to enrich the psychobiography and qualitatively analysed. The findings show that Mrs Majola could balance her life in a way supported by the PERMA Theory of well-being. Results demonstrate her ability to understand and manage her Positive (negative) emotions, Engagements, Relationships, Meaningfulness, and Accomplishments as a mother, co-worker and community leader, which created numerous success stories during her tenure. Even though Mrs Majola experienced many hardships in life, such as losing her husband at the young age of 39, she always stayed positive and successfully used her inner strength to motivate her to keep living her purpose in life. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-10

Aetiological factors that lead to suicide attempts among the youth of Lusikisiki area

  • Authors: Zweni, Mzamile Benute
  • Date: 2022-10
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27544 , vital:69314
  • Description: The general aim of this study was to investigate the aetiological factors that lead to suicidal attempts among the youth of Lusikisiki area in the Eastern Cape Province. A sample of hundred and fifty participants with an average age of 24 years old was selected using convenient sampling. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. After the data were collected, it was then analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that various factors lead to suicide ideation and suicide attempts among youth of Lusikisiki. Economic hardship, depression and substance abuse to name few, were found to be among factors that lead to suicide attempt. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends that various stakeholders such as the Department of Social development should work in corroboration. Departments such as Department of Education and Sports, Recreation and Culture should make awareness campaigns that will psycho-educate youth in rural areas, possibly alleviating drug and substance abuse. Those awarenesses may also tap into strengthening psychosocial well-being of youth. Furthermore, Department of Social Development should come up with community outreach programs aimed at alleviating poverty as the contributory factor towards suicide attempt. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-10

Recidivism in children after completion of rhythm of life diversion programme in Chris Hani Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Zimba, Thanduxolo
  • Date: 2022-09
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27651 , vital:69380
  • Description: One of the recommendations made by the South African Law Commission (SALC) (1997) when discussing the issue of child justice was that the justice system should aim to promote the well-being of the child and deal with the child in an individualised way. This dissertation discusses recidivism in children after completing the Rhythm of Life (ROL) diversion programme which aims at diverting children who conflict with the law away from criminal procedures to programmes that assist in behaviour modification. The study is inspired by the need to uncover the effectiveness of the programme and the challenges encountered when it is delivered. It is further motivated by the need to expose the reasons why children return to the criminal justice system after having attended the ROL diversion programme. Additionally, it seeks to gain perspectives of the probation officers’ and parents’ insights on the observed changes after the attendance of the programme. The study utilised a qualitative methodology with an interpretive and descriptive paradigm, which used in-depth interviews and focus groups as a method of data collection. The participants of the study were children who completed the ROL diversion programme, parents or guardians of children who completed the ROL diversion programme, and probation officers implementing the programme. The data was analysed and presented following the following four themes, i.e., factors contributing to recidivism by children after completion of the ROL diversion programme, diversion programme content, and completion of the diversion programme and the effectiveness of the ROL diversion programme. The literature consulted was broken up into; the historical development of diversion programmes and the inherent legislative framework, the magnitude and extent of recidivism of children after completion of the ROL diversion programme, and the factors which contribute to recidivism by children after completion of the ROL diversion programme. The reviewed literature further scrutinised the global, regional, and South African perspectives on managing young people, and lastly reviewed the benefits and challenges of diversion programmes in general. The study used the social learning theory as a theoretical framework to explain and discuss recidivism and the effectiveness of diversion programmes. This is a general approach to psychology and regards criminal behaviour as no different from any kind of behaviour as it is learned through the processes of observation, imitation and vicarious reinforcement and punishment. The findings of the study revealed that the impact of absent and or lack of father figures in the family influenced the children to get involved in criminal activities. The findings further indicated that probation officers face various challenges when facilitating the programme, such as substance abuse by children, lack of resources and functional aids, and the language as the facilitator guide is written in English. It was also discovered that parents from the sample used an authoritarian style of parenting, which exerts high expectations from children while providing little in the way of feedback and nurturance. Lastly, the findings indicated that the ROL diversion programme does modify the behaviour of children on completion. However, the main challenge is the environment the children return to after completion as it is assumed as a contributing factor to committing the crime. One of the recommendations is to strengthen parenting programmes and to introduce a programme for parents or guardians of children with serious behavioural challenges, another recommendation is the development of a risk assessment tool for young people, to assist probation officers in holistically dealing with children. Additionally, probation service practitioners should be provided by the government with the necessary resources to ensure that aftercare services are rendered effectively and efficiently. The researcher lastly recommends that probation officers conduct an intervention evaluation after the programme to identify children who could not understand the content of the programme so that additional methods of intervention could be employed such as casework. The study had the following conclusions; risk factors such as lack of parental support, substance abuse, peer pressure and bereavement were causes for re-offending in the children interviewed; the programme manual presents a challenge in terms of language, because the manual is written in English, and not all children can understand English; the issue of restorative justice was overlooked by probation officers when dealing with children when they re-offended. The study also concluded that the ROL diversion programme is effective to a certain extent, depending on how the children utilize the skills acquired from the programme, and as the parents reflected that they observed a change in their children’s behaviour post-diversion, while children also expressed that they learnt valuable life skills which made them resilient. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-09

Normative Indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration on clinically unimpaired isiXhosa speaking adults with disadvantaged education

  • Authors: Kili, Ziphozakhe
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27569 , vital:69316
  • Description: This study aimed to develop normative indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI) for Xhosa speaking adults in the Eastern Cape with a grade 11 or 12 qualification from a previously disadvantaged educational background. Method: the sample size was 40 participants between the ages of 19 to 40 years old. The study used participants that had no cognitive impairments. This study used independent t-test analysis to compare test performance between the following categories: urban versus rural, males versus females, age group 19-29 versus 30-40. The Kruskall Wallis test was used to establish whether classroom size would have an impact on test performance. Results: This study revealed that there was a no statistical difference in performance between urban and rural participants, males and females, and classroom size. There was no statistical significance between the age categories 19-29 versus 30-40 on the visual perception and motor coordination supplementary tests. However, there was a statistical significance noted, between the age categories on the visual-motor integration test performance. Conclusions: it was concluded that the Beery VMI can be used with more confidence when assessing the Xhosa speaking population from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. The norms in this study cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups or populations. It was further recommended that more studies like this take place, and more norms are created for the South Africans using the Beery VMI. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-07
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